A lifeguard working for a hotel in the Lido area of Funchal is suspected to have been swept into the sea by a wave. The alert reached the Maritime Police at 2:18 PM, and the Funchal Lifesaving Station, a jet ski and the Portuguese Air Force, with a helicopter, were sent to the scene.
The body was spotted face down but disappeared in the strong waves. The man is a 37-year-old Portuguese citizen. Land searches are also under way and will be suspended at sunset.
The Psychological Support Office has been activated to assist the family.